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Soundtrack to the Civil War

Human experience, especially the extraordinarily violent experience of warfare, is complicated enough as it is. So how does an artist render this complexity through her creation? You could ask composer Barbara Harbach (pictured). Harbach has written a symphony in three movements called A State Divided — Missouri Symphony for Orchestra, which receives its premiere tonight at 7 p.m. in the Lee Auditorium of the Missouri History Museum (Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue; 314-746-4599 or www.mohistory.org). Each movement represents a crucial chapter in our state's involvement in the Civil War; even if you're not a scholar of Missouri history, you'll know we played a paramount part in the conflict. The premiere will be performed by the UMSL University Orchestra under the baton of Robert Howard, and each movement will be preceded by a brief narrative segment by UMSL history professor Dr. Louis Gerteis, placing the musical passage to follow within the context of the Civil War. And you're emancipated from the need to pay — the event is free.
Tue., Oct. 23, 2012